Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2022 i Her World Singapore

You know that old saying, “Men are from Mars, women are from Venus”? Kind of contrived and outdated in 2022, don’t you think? And yet, Reddit threads and popular memes “joking” about how complicated women are, and how men just can’t seem to get them, are still being liked, shared and commented on every day. So, what exactly do women want? If you ask me: More time, money, fair treatment and respect in the workplace, and a whole laundry list of things that probably won’t fit into this page. But don’t just take it from me. More than 6,000 Singapore women responded to our annual What Women Want survey on mental, emotional and physical health and wellness. Curious about what they had to say? Check out the eight-page feature (page…

Growing up, Georgina Foo had already developed a keen eye and appreciation for architecture and design. The 29-year-old, who is in the midst of obtaining her accreditation as an architect, recalls her younger days admiring beautiful architectural facades and envisioning how the space was conceptualised and designed. “It’s almost like coming full circle, to be able to design interiors that I’ve always daydreamed about when I was younger,” she muses, adding that nothing gives her more joy and satisfaction than being able to design someone’s dream home. Deeply influenced by the modernist movement in architecture – where design saw a shift from the ornamental and decorative towards a streamlined, utilitarian aesthetic – Georgina is fascinated by the modernist movement, which has certainly influenced her personal style. She says: “My aesthetic…

EVERYDAY CHIC While she may wear bold jewellery pieces from Bvlgari on the red carpet, her everyday effortless wardrobe of navy sweaters, black pants, blue shirts, ballet flats and white sneakers is more suited to the simplicity of Hermes’ Clou de Forge ring . CHANEL FOREVER The latest Coco Crush necklace bears the initial C, which not only represents the brand’s name but also Sofia’s surname. The film director maintains very close ties to the house of Chanel, famously interning there when she was just 15 years old (her job scope included making coffee for the late Karl Lagerfeld). Last year, she directed The Chanel Iconic, a short film celebrating the brand’s 11.12 bag. THE ITALIAN CHARM Being of Italian descent, the youngest child and only daughter of The Godfather…

With her long hair pulled into a ponytail and a steely glint in her eyes, a tall and lithe young woman starts executing swift high kicks while her opponent moves swiftly to deflect her advances. In a split-second, she works a series of powerful punches into his abdomen, taking him by surprise as he stumbles to overcome her rapid-fire attack. This dizzying scene is just one of the few action-packed sequences from The Good Fight, a high-octane martial arts drama that stars Tay Ying, alongside A-listers Rebecca Lim and Andie Chen. Released in 2020, the 20-episode production was led by executive producer (EP) Zheng Geping, who also happens to be Tay Ying’s father. The 26-year-old, who has been acting since 2017, remembers what it was like working with her dad…

Besides coming in the form of bouquets, these days, you’ll find heaps of rose petals incorporated into luxurious facial elixirs, rose ottos infused into skin-saving salves, and rose water shuttled into skin-perfecting makeup bases. Rich in brightening vitamin C and fortifying antioxidants, roses help to combat skin conditions like acne, while enhancing the skin regeneration process. Thanks to its calming properties, the flower also soothes inflammation, making it the perfect ingredient for sensitive skin. And then, there’s its pleasing scent, which makes your beauty routine so much more therapeutic. When used in fragrances, roses help to frame the entire profile when it’s mixed with other scents. It’s no coincidence that the use of roses in beauty dates back to the Middle Ages. “Bulgarian roses have been delicately harvested and distilled…

Perhaps it’s part of the overarching beauty trend of “clean products” made with minimal ingredients. Maybe it’s a desire to return to old-school skincare like facial bars and floral waters. Or, it could be a result of consumers wanting more sustainable, environmentally friendly buys. Whichever the case, powder beauty products have been on the rise over the past few years – and they seem here to stay. As the name suggests, these products come in dry, powdered form. Most of the time, they function as cleansers, essences and face masks, and are only activated when mixed with water or a liquid base before use. As they are waterless, powder products are typically free of filler ingredients like emulsifiers and thickeners, as well as preservatives and chemicals needed to maintain active…

SKINCARE Sunohada, $14.90-$24.90 Created for sensitive skin that’s dry and itchy, this skincare line uses the power of enzymes and a unique plant-based ingredient, MTO, to provide round-the-clock comfort and care. The adult line boasts four products: a mist, non-foaming wash, low-foaming wash, and a soothing lotion. All can be used on the face and body, and are free of irritants like alcohol, fragrance and parabens. MT Metatron Facial Foaming Wash, $80.20 The brand’s top performer in Singapore, this facial wash lathers up a thick, luxurious pillow of foam without stripping skin of moisture. An ultra-gentle amino acids-based formula that works even for dry and sensitive skin, it also boasts firming, brightening and soothing benefits. Cle de Peau Beaute The Serum, $270-$380 This cult classic is powered by an illuminating…

You’ve picked up a few dance moves from the platform. Heck, you might even have done the challenges. There’s no denying, Tiktok is here to stay in a big way. From dances, ASMR videos to viral challenges, Tiktok is where the young and young-at-heart find content and now, medical information. The platform’s three minute-long videos with music and “duets” (a feature that lets users respond to videos with their own videos, and post them side by side) offer a fun way to present medical knowledge, previously associated with dry accounts shared in a sanitised, surgical environment. While the trend started in the US, Asian doctors have followed suit and shared their medical knowledge through their Tiktok accounts. One such doctor is Dr Lim Ing Kien, who runs his own practice…

ASK WHY Make two lists: “push” factors that exist in your current job or company, and “pull” factors, which are external factors influencing your decision to quit. Go over the factors, discuss them with your friends and family, and resign only when you can honestly say that your reasons are objective and not emotionally driven. Also ask yourself: “If this job/company isn’t what I want, what do I want?” Your answer should be realistic and not idealistic. If you’re planning to take a more junior position or drop out of the labour force, make the same lists, focusing on practical factors like age and finances, and probability (how you can convince a hiring manager that you’re sincere about wanting to achieve a better work-life balance, for example). NETWORK AND UPSKILL…

We’re at an exciting juncture at present. We’ve been battling the pandemic for over two years, and while this may not be the beginning of the end, it seems to be the end of the beginning. Everything that changed from 2020 onwards has finally started to sink in – we’re now moving into a stage of retrospection, recalibration and resilience. The last two years have also brought to focus how out of balance the world truly is. The pandemic hit everyone differently, and still, women, on average, are disproportionately disadvantaged. I’m often asked whether supporting women’s employment has gotten easier in the last two years. I think it has – especially with flexible work and work-from-home options becoming the norm in today’s hybrid ecosystem. There is also a mentality shift…

BE A (S)HERO Do your part for the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) by supporting its latest fundraising campaign, Women Creating Change, this month. Whether it’s indulging in a bout of retail therapy, attending a private dining session or signing up for a health talk, these fundraising efforts offer the public fun and engaging ways to do good. The line-up comprises 25 women-led initiatives spearheaded by individuals who are leaders in sectors such as business, design, healthcare and advocacy. With activities and products that aim to raise awareness of early breast cancer detection, a portion of proceeds will go towards funding BCF’s programmes, services, and advocacy and outreach activities. Says Breast Cancer Foundation president Staphnie Tang: “This International Women’s Day, we present our Women Creating Change campaign, bringing together 25 strong…

My partner isn’t proactive about doing chores. How do I get him to see that reminding him is a chore for me? Just stop doing chores around the house. Either he’ll realise, wow, it’s much better when people do the household chores, or he’ll just live in filth. Actually, don’t do that – there’s a good chance you’ll be living in filth. You need to have a serious chat with him about household responsibilities, and maybe even make up a schedule where it’s clear what has to be done and by what time. I know it sounds like you’re turning into your mum, but now we know how Mum felt right? The thing is, your partner probably isn’t lazy, he’s just not used to this sort of cleaning routine, and…

Remember the expression “business in front, party in the back”? If you’re looking to add some pizzazz to your get-ups this season, you’d better watch your back. While it usually references the mullet – a popular ’80s hairstyle where the hair is short and neat at the front, with a longer, rambunctious tail behind – fashion designers are now taking their cue from this high-low look in the form of mullet-inspired hemlines. At Prada, head designer Miuccia Prada, together with co-creative director Raf Simons, had many of their outfits fitted with long, trailing trains. Some of the strongest pairings – such as miniskirts styled with oversized biker jackets and low-heeled pumps – felt both grown-up and inherently cool. There was also a strong representation of outerwear with dramatic trains, as…

1 KELLY WEARSTLER, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND FOUNDER OF KELLY WEARSTLER INTERIOR DESIGN “She has such a gift for marrying art and design in a way that the boundaries between both are blurred, resulting in eclectic interiors that are very characteristic of her quirky and unique style.” 2 DARA HUANG, ARCHITECT AND FOUNDER OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN FIRM DESIGN HAUS LIBERTY “I enjoy the contemporary and cosmopolitan approach that she takes in many of her commercial projects. I find it very impressive that beyond design, she also researched, developed and designed a series of bespoke customised light fixtures under her eponymous lighting brand. As a fellow designer who loves to design bespoke furniture and interior accessories, I find that extremely inspiring.” 3 WANNASIRI KONGMAN, CO-FOUNDER OF HANDBAG AND ACCESSORIES BRAND BOYY…

Inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s love of camellias, the No. 1 de Chanel range comprises nine skincare and makeup products infused with the red camellia, or camellia japonica “The Czar”. Every part of this flower – from its bud, leaf and petals, to even the seed and its oil – is present in each product, with its derivatives making up at least 76 per cent of ingredients. Its petals contain an elevated level of protocatechuic acid, an antioxidant-boosting collagen that reduces the appearance of wrinkles. The seed and its oil reinforce skin’s barrier function, defending skin from dehydration and environmental stressors that wreck its ability to renew. Harnessing the essence of the red camellia, the No. 1 de Chanel Red Camellia Revitalizing Serum helps reduce the signs of ageing, tackling fine…

Besides protecting against both harmful UVA and UVB rays, sunscreens today combine the best of both types of sun protection, while providing new improvements that hydrate, control acne, brighten dull skin, and combat excess blue light. SUPERCHARGED TO HYDRATE, PROTECT AND REPAIR What makes these sunscreens the miracle workers of our time: new advancements in technology, coupled with high levels of active skincare ingredients that correct specific problems such as acne and dullness, on top of offering higher SPF and broad-spectrum protection, without compromising on feel. Take Japanese skincare brand Meeth for example. Its F Bright UV Base ($70) promises constant hydration and a brightening effect, thanks to its fullerene molecule, used here as a powerful antioxidant. Fullerene is 172 times more powerful than vitamin C, and its discovery won…

Chanel No.1 de Chanel Red Camellia Powder-To-Foam Cleanser, $76 This ultra-fine textured powder wash comprises 93 per cent ingredients of natural origin, and is enriched with red camellia oil – a rich source of antioxidants. A few drops of water mixed with half a teaspoon of powder transforms it into a light, fluffy foam. Suisai Beauty Clear Powder Wash N Scent of Matcha Latte, $27 for 32 capsules The number-one selling product in Japan’s face wash market for several years running, this unclogs pores, removes blackheads and smooths skin using powdered enzymes such as protease and lipase. It now comes in a limited edition matcha scented version. Tatcha The Rice Polish Classic, $98 This gentle facial scrub comprises powdered Japanese rice bran, a physical exfoliant rich in vitamins and proteins.…

There’s no better way to get ready for hotter days ahead than with a fresh mani. To help you up your nail game, we asked celebrity nail experts Michelle Humphrey, Julie Kandalec and Kelly Shenton, whose clients include the likes of Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, Camila Cabello and more, to let us in on the trendiest nail colours, shapes and designs this Spring/Summer. Even better, the pros offered up their tried-and-true tips to recreate the designs at home. 3D MANICURE Seen on Korean stars like Blackpink’s Lisa and Jennie, the trend where 3-D accents like butterflies and flowers are added to nails was first started in South Korea, before making its way around the rest of the world. “Your nail professional creates a 3-D design using builder gel…

Princess Diana, as well as Hollywood icons Ingrid Bergman and Elizabeth Taylor, were all proud owners of the iconic Gucci Bamboo bag – a design introduced in 1947 by Guccio Gucci, founder of the eponymous Italian fashion house. Due to the aftermath of World War II, materials that were needed to produce fashion items, such as leather, became scarce. It was a conundrum that caused the designers at Gucci to search for alternative materials. With the help of its Florentine artisans, the brand discovered that the lightweight and durable quality of bamboo served as the perfect material for constructing the handle of the Gucci Bamboo bag. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, the new Gucci Bamboo 1947 bag by creative director Alessandro Michele comes in three sizes: medium,…

Margherita Maccapani Missoni, daughter of Italy’s renowned fashion dynasty Missoni, is a born and bred Milanese woman. According to her, Milanese women have a very individualistic way of dressing up. And as a fashion designer, model, and heiress to her family’s fashion house, she embodies this characteristic through her eclectic, carefree and idiosyncratic style – one that comes naturally to her. “I feel that what people perceive as bohemian is just my spontaneous aesthetic. I really don’t make an effort to come across that way,” she says. “My real muses are actually the women around me – my friends, my mother, and my colleagues. I believe that real people give clothes a reason to exist.” Growing up, one of Margherita’s favourite places to shop at in Milan was Max&Co., a…

Ever since Italian brand Bvlgari introduced its iconic Serpenti motif in the ’40s, the Serpenti Tubogas watch has become a symbol of rebirth and renewal. It was famously favoured by Hollywood siren Elizabeth Taylor, who wore one of the luxury brand’s first gem-set Serpenti models while filming the 1963 epic Cleopatra. Since then, the watch’s old-world glamour and timeless appeal has undergone decades of style evolution. Today, the Serpenti Tubogas can be seen adorning the wrists of other powerful and fashionable women, including actress Naomi Watts and American socialite Olivia Palermo, on and off the red carpet. Its charm lies in its sinuous form, anchored by a watch face that is crafted to resemble the head of a serpent. Its signature coil band, a design inspired by a flexible gas…

1. Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream, $114 Though prized for its youth-enhancing properties, retinol (a derivative of vitamin A) can sometimes cause irritation in those with sensitive skin. This cream delivers the benefits of retinol, while minimising potential side effects with the inclusion of soothing ingredients like rambutan extract, centella asiatica and arnica. 2. The History Of Whoo Radiant Regenerating UV Protection Cream, $226 This liquid sunscreen sinks into skin instantly without leaving a sticky residue. Plus, it dries down clear while imparting that “lit-from-within” glow. Borrowing wisdom from the royalty of Korea’s Joseon era, this sunscreen is infused with traditional Korean herbs like trichosanthes root and bamboo extract to soothe skin and boost radiance. 3. Klynn Beauty Revive Me Centella Cleanser, $28 Some foaming…

When it comes to wearing makeup, the hot and humid climate we face daily does not help at all. Disappearing foundation, streaky makeup and flushed cheeks are just some of things that we have to live with. The good news: Help is at hand. To perfect your heat-proof makeup, these hard-working MVPs are just what you need to keep you feeling and looking your best, even as temperatures soar. SKIN PREP To ensure that makeup goes on smoothly, it’s important to keep skin well-hydrated – but be careful to select the right moisturiser for your skin type and needs. Too thick and makeup won’t adhere well, while too light and makeup could look patchy. To combat the heat and humidity, opt for a lightweight and preferably water-based moisturiser that will…

“J-BEAUTY IS TIMELESS AND FUSS-FREE. ITS PHILOSOPHY HAS ALWAYS BEEN LESS IS MORE. AMANDA NG, HEROINE MAKE ASSISTANT BRAND MANAGER” For a long time now, much of the beauty industry’s spotlight has been trained on K-beauty and its array of novel, buzzy products, like liquid-powder lipsticks and snail mucin masks. While its popularity shows no signs of waning, one of the pioneers of Asian beauty is making a discreet return from the sidelines to prominence. Since a few years ago, Japanese skincare and makeup, or J-beauty, has been gaining on its Korean counterparts in both popularity and visibility. In China, demand for J-beauty is on the rise despite the pandemic. According to the Japan External Trade Organization, China’s imports of Japanese cosmetics in 2020 jumped over 30 per cent from…

“BEAUTY IS RADIANCE. IT IS INNER CONFIDENCE – IN WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU CAN DO.” DAKOTA FANNING, ACTRESS In today’s volatile and uncertain world, beauty brands are going beyond just helping you to look good, with many using their platforms to effect social change. One such brand trailblazing this conversation is Japanese beauty giant Cle de Peau Beaute, which recently pledged US$8.7 million (S$11.7 million) in support of Unicef’s Gender Equality programme, an initiative that connects 6.5 million girls around the world with platforms that promote education, empowerment and employment. The Shiseido-owned outfit, which recently celebrated its 40th birthday, has been committed to uplifting and empowering women. Since 2019, the brand has been honouring inspirational women who have made great strides in improving the lives of girls through…